Edson Barboza called out UFC lightweight contender Tony Ferguson after defeating Beneil Dariush at UFC Fight Night 106 on Saturday. Barboza wants to avenge his first loss to “El Cucuy” and fight for the interim lightweight title.

The UFC lightweight division is currently in a complicated situation after the cancellation of the UFC 209 bout between Tony Ferguson and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Ferguson expressed his intention to reschedule their bout for the fourth time but first wants an assurance from Nurmagomedov’s camp. If Nurmagomedov fails to make weight again, Ferguson wants to be automatically declared as the interim lightweight champion and get his full contracted purse.

As of now, Nurmagomedov hasn’t given any response to Ferguson’s demand. With Conor McGregor’s return remains unknown, “El Cucuy” is currently the main target of lightweight contenders, including Edson Barboza, who ranks No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA lightweight rankings. After an incredible victory over Beneil Dariush, Barboza feels that he deserves to fight for the title.

“Bro, he was coming hard,” said Barboza, who’s now won three straight and four of his past five – with three fight-night bonuses. “Everything he threw, he threw 100 percent. He tried to take my head off. You guys see it. … You see a lot of damage on my face. My leg hurts a little bit, my arm. He’s a tough guy, man. He’s definitely one of the best of the world.”

Edson Barboza eyeing to avenge loss against Tony Ferguson

The 31 -year-old Brazilian mixed martial artist called himself as the “one of the best in the world” and asked the UFC to let him prove his claim. Barboza already fought Tony Ferguson in Dec. 2015 as a short-notice replacement for Khabib Nurmagomedov. Ferguson won the bout via submission where he earned Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonus.

“I think I deserve the title shot,” Barboza said. “I’ve been in the UFC for a long time. I’ve got really good wins in my last three fights. I’m ready to fight five rounds. I can’t wait, man. I’m very excited to fight five rounds. I hope the UFC gives me a chance.”

A rematch between Barboza and Ferguson will surely be something the UFC would consider. However, knowing that the UFC interim lightweight belt will be on the line, more deserving contenders like former lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez already expressed their intention to fight Ferguson. If Nurmagomedov doesn’t give an immediate response to Ferguson’s demand, it’s likely that the UFC would find another opponent for “El Cucuy”.